Sprinkler Side Frame Coupling Device With U-Shaped Locking Pins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sprinkler side frame coupling devices are inefficient due to the use of screws for installation and may experience coupling means deviation from locking steps under external force, leading to instability.

Innovation Solution

A sprinkler side frame coupling device with locking means on both sides, featuring a side frame with specific bending portions, pin support structures, and 'U'-shaped locking pins, along with rotatable coupling members and inclined teeth, ensuring secure and easy installation and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If elastic members are used as coupling means to make mounting easy, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the elastic members may escape from locking steps under external force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mountingVSAvoidstability under external force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling means is divided into multiple locking pins distributed at different positions (both sides of the side frame) rather than a single elastic member. Each locking pin independently secures the coupling between side frame and support frame, so if one fails or escapes, others maintain stability. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of mounting (simple pin insertion) and reliability (multiple independent locking points).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking pins are designed with preliminary positioning features that guide them into the locking steps before final engagement. The coupling members have predetermined engagement paths that ensure the locking pins are correctly positioned before external forces are applied, preventing escape under load while maintaining easy installation through self-alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If screws are used to couple the side frame to support frames, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficient installation process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling stabilityVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The screw fastening operation is extracted and replaced by a simple pin insertion mechanism. The locking pins engage with locking steps through a straightforward drop-in or slide-in action, eliminating the need for screwdrivers, torque control, and multiple fastening operations. This extraction maintains reliability through positive mechanical engagement while dramatically improving installation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling members are designed to be self-aligning and self-locating, where the locking pins automatically find their engagement position with the locking steps without requiring precise manual positioning or additional fastening tools. The structure itself provides the guiding and securing functions, making the installation process rapid and tool-free while ensuring reliable coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9718076B2Sprinkler side frame coupling device
Publication Date: 2017.08.01 KOFULSO
  • US9718076B2 patent drawing
  • US9718076B2 patent drawing
  • US9718076B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sprinkler side frame coupling device including: a side frame coupled to support frames each having a locking step formed on top thereof and having a body, first bending portions formed on both sides of the body, a horizontal portion formed from each first bending portion, a second bending portion, a space portion formed on each first bending portion, pin support portions, long holes formed on the pin support portions, shaft support portions, and inclined projection portions; a locking pin having a shape of ā€˜U’ fitted to the long holes; and coupling members each having a plurality of inclined teeth.